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DS 3 Cabrio Performance Black FIRST DRIVE Verdict on
HOT hatchbacks represent some of the biggest bargains on sale today, combining performance with practicality at an affordable price. But what happens if you roll up all these traits and add a convertible roof, premium badge and plenty of style into the package?
MINI has proven there’s a market for this kind of car in the UK with its Cooper S Convertible, and now French brand DS wants to show it can cut it in the world of souped-up superminis with its premium DS 3 Cabrio Performance Black.
For a not inconsiderable £24,795, you get a 207bhp 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which means plenty of performance. The 0-62mph sprint takes 6.5 seconds, but in truth it never actually feels that fast. The engine takes a while to get into its stride and needs revving to make good progress, not serving peak power until 6,000rpm. The throttle response has a soft edge, too, with the smaller engine showing signs of turbo lag. But it sounds the part, with a deep, bassy rumble from the twin tailpipes, and with 300Nm of torque it’s more relaxing to use the fat mid-range to hustle the DS 3 along.
Only when you start to pile on the speed do the chassis’ deficiencies begin to shine through. Low-profile tyres smother the 18-inch alloys, and combined with the firmer suspension set-up, cause potholes to crunch through the chassis.
Despite its extra dynamic focus, the DS 3 never feels quite tied down, while this Cabrio version lacks the structural rigidity of the hatchback, so it shudders and shakes over rippled roads. There is still plenty of grip, though, and the relatively quick steering means you can throw the nose into corners, trusting the DS 3 Performance to hold on. However, the steering itself isn’t dripping with feedback and it can feel quite elastic.
Not only that, but the driving position means the process of going quickly is compromised. The bespoke leather and Alcantara DS Performance seats sit you nice and low and offer good support, but the pedals stick out at an awkward angle. It’s not the only ergonomic flaw, either. While rivals like the MINI have been updated over the years, the DS 3’s cabin layout stretches back to 2009. The large centre console
Newcars “Throttle response has a soft edge, but DS 3 sounds the part, with a bassy rumble from twin tailpipes”